If left untreated, worms in the human body can cause everything from anemia to rashes to weakness. And according to CNN Health, an adult tapeworm can live up to 20 years and grow up to 50 feet long.

Parasitic worms belong to one of four groups including Cestoda, Nematoda, Protozoa, or Trematoda. Some parasitic worms are microscopic while others can be identified fairly easily with one quick look.

Most worms that infect humans need something to feed on. Some attach themselves to the walls of the intestines and feed on everything in sight, while others may feed on tissues and blood in other parts of the body.

Fortunately, flukes can be killed before they become a threat to potential hosts. All you have to do is thoroughly cook meats and vegetables taken from potentially harmful waters.

Treating kitten worms must be done under a vets care. Kittens and cats with hookworms may have to stay a day or two at a veterinary clinic for the initial treatment process. All areas used by the kitten will need to be cleaned and sanitized thoroughly and follow-up vet visits will most likely be required.

Fleas are a major source of certain types of worms, such as tapeworms. When a dog accidentally swallows an infected flea, worms can hatch in the dog’s intestines.

Ringworm isn’t a worm, but rather a skin fungus. The fungus is shaped like a worm and it can be found on your cat’s skin.

Before you can treat the different types of worms that infect humans, you must have a clear understanding of the types of worms that commonly infect humans and you should be able to recognize the symptoms.

The only type of canine worm that can be fatal is heartworm. Symptoms of other dog worms are easy to detect, but the most obvious signs of heartworm are coughing and hiccupping.

While the tape worm can grow up to 15 feet or more in length, most are around 3-5 inches long. If left untreated, they can live up to 25 years.

Hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and whipworms thrive in the dog’s intestines. Round worms look like spaghetti and tapeworm segments look like grains of rice.

Caring for a pet with worms should only be done under the care of a vet. Most non-prescription medications don’t work. Your vet will have access to a number of cutting edge preventatives that are extremely effective against the most aggressive types of parasites such as roundworm, whipworm, hookworm, and heartworm.

In addition to finding worms in your dog’s feces, other symptoms to look for include weight loss, vomiting, a dull coat, weakness, and coughing

One of the easiest ways to detect canine intestinal worms is to simply examine your dog’s feces. This can be accomplished by sight alone.